Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve

In Warren County, Ohio, an isolated peninsula rises 80 meters (about 260 feet) above the muddy banks of the Little Miami River. There exists an immense monument to the dedication and technological savvy of the original inhabitants of prehistoric North America. This vast 51 hectare (about 126 acres) plateau is enclosed by embankment walls that stand 1.5 to 7 meters (about 5 to 23 feet) high, constructed by repeatedly dumping baskets loaded with soil upon one another. The Hopewell, known for their engineering expertise, built these walls and many other features both within the enclosure and on the steep valleys that surround the site: conical and crescent-shaped mounds, limestone pavements and circles, and many subsurface elements that are currently coming to light. Today, the Fort Ancient State Memorial is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its importance to Ohio prehistory.

On August 1st, 2009, the Dayton Society of Natural History (DSNH), parent organization of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park, assumed management of the day-to-day operations at the Fort Ancient State Memorial. This partnership between the Ohio Historical Society and DSNH assures that Fort Ancient will remain a protected piece of American prehistory that is available for the public to enjoy.

PASSPORT DISCOUNT:

$1.00 off general adult admission. Limit one discount per Passport Card. Not valid with other offers, group rates, field trips or for special events.